Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and sweetened with honey. This traditional dessert is perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Here’s how you can make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound chopped pecans
- 1/2 pound chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pound package of Phyllo dough
- 1-1/2 cups butter, melted
- 2-1/2 cups honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Directions:
Prepare the Nut Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped pecans and walnuts together.
- Toss the nuts with ground cinnamon and set aside.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer the Phyllo and Nuts:
- Place two sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Brush generously with melted butter.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top.
- Repeat layering phyllo, buttering generously, and sprinkling nuts until all ingredients are used, finishing with about six layers of phyllo on the top.
- If there is any remaining butter, brush it over the top layer.
Cut Before Baking:
- Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut through all layers in the baking dish. Make 3-4 slices lengthwise.
- Then, make diagonal cuts to form diamond shapes.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Bake the baklava for about 45 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Prepare the Honey Syrup:
- While the baklava is baking, heat the honey in a saucepan until it is close to boiling.
- Stir in vanilla extract and grated lemon zest.
Finish the Baklava:
- As soon as the baklava is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot honey mixture over the top, ensuring it seeps into the cuts and around the edges of the dish.
- Let the baklava cool completely in the pan. This allows the syrup to soak through the layers and the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Once cooled, re-cut along the previous cuts and serve.
Enjoy your homemade baklava as a decadent treat or a special dessert at your next gathering. Its layers of flaky phyllo dough, spiced nuts, and sweet honey are sure to delight any palate.
